Calvin Charles Ratz

Calvin Charles Ratz, 74, born on February 22, 1941 in Ontario, Canada passed away November 30, 2015. He resided in Indio, CA at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn Cathedral City, CA.

Calvin is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Ruth, son John (Joanna) Ratz, grandchildren Cherise (James) Martinez, Charissa Ratz, Craig Ratz and great-granddaughter Sofia Martinez, daughter Barbara Ratz, sister Eleanor (Keith) Morrison.

Calvin was born in Ontario, Canada, of ministerial parents, He spent his early years along with his older sister Eleanor, as a PK in various churches in Southern Ontario.

His father, Dr. Charles Ratz, became Academic Dean of Eastern Pentecostal Bible College in Peterboro, Ontario, so Cal finished 13th grade there before attending EPBC for two years, His further education was in Ottawa, Canada, where he graduated from Carleton University with a B. Com, in economics.

1964 was a pivotal year in Cal's life. He graduated from university, was ordained to the ministry, married Ruth, and was appointed a missionary to Hong Kong, where he served as supervisor of the missions schools, built a five storey school building, learned Cantonese, and preached in various local churches from 1965 to 1969. Both children. John and Barbara, were born during this period.

On returning for furlough, Cal attended Syracuse University in N.Y., where he completed his MA in journalism, a two year program he accomplished in one year. He became a writer, contributing articles to several national Christian magazines, and co-authoring several books about pastoral ministry, The next move was to Africa, as Managing Editor of Evangel Publishing House in Kenya.

Upon returning to Canada, Cal pastored several churches across Canada, building a new sanctuary in Abbotsford, B.C., teaching at Billy Graham Schools of Evangelism for several years, sitting on his denomination's national executive.

The next move was to the Detroit area of Michigan in 1991, where he again built a large new church and K-12 school campus.

After 13 years there, they moved to Florida where Cal became director of East Africa for One Hope (formerly Book of Hope), a ministry dedicated to getting the story of Jesus into the hands of every child in the world. His responsibilities stretched from Ethiopia through Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda and Madagascar. Distribution teams were set up in each country, from 2002 to 2009.

After moving to the desert in California, Cal participated in Friendship Church, on the missions committee, preaching a few times, leading a men's Bible, and acting as Shepherd for the growing community of Sun City Shadow Hills.